Spooky Wood Burning Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

In this workshop, you'll craft a custom spooky decorative wood board using the art of pyrography. You'll learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning, which, although dating back centuries, can be expressed with fun, contemporary designs. Using a pen-like burning tool, you'll work on small wood

Breakfast with the Birds

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Start the day with a colorful display of red, yellow, blue and more. Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will open its doors early for bird viewing. A naturalist will offer bird information and identification as you enjoy a light continental breakfast provided for bird lovers. Sit on the

Event Series Recycle Your Bicycle

Recycle Your Bicycle

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Fee: Free! Age: All ages.

Museum Campus Day

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and French

Historic Trolley Tour

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, through historic downtown Utica and to the Starved Rock Visitor center. Adults: $18, Seniors: $15, Children 10 & under: $13, Children 3 and under: Free Reservations are required.

Scarecrow Fest

Downtown Ottawa 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, United States

The long standing Ottawa Scarecrow Fest returns to Downtown Ottawa with activities for the entire family. Stroll from Washington Park to the Jordan block visiting craft vendors, trying a great variety of food (including freshly made apple cider donuts!), and listening to live music. Plus, the kids

Pelican Party

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

The migrating American white pelicans are coming in for a landing here at Four Rivers! Enjoy seeing a pelican close up at one of the 45-minute live-bird presentations, scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet naturalists at each of the pelican hotspots to observe these huge

Franken-Fish Creations

Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

Create your own monster fish this spooky season. Visit the Tackle Box bait shop to receive crayons and a fish in need of color and life. Then explore Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to find textures to add as well as challenges that may add a few more

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Four Rivers

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

Wear your favorite costume and search for spooktacular items in the forest with your friends and family or scout group! Some items may be natural, while other items may be SUPER-natural! Can you find them all as you meander through the forest? Stop by Four Rivers Environmental

Event Series Autumn on the River

Autumn on the River

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, The Eagle I where you will see the beautiful

October Poetry Writing Workshop

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, United States

There are 25 seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis, indoors. Ages 16+ Please bring your own notebook and pen. If you do not have the tools, they will be provided for you. Questions about the workshop can be directed to Uxmar: [email protected]. Presented by Joliet's first

The Reflections

Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, United States

The New Reflections R&B Soul vocal group originated out of Chicago. Their style and performance have electrified audiences all over the United States and over seas as well. With their Motown tribute to the Temptations and The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles they bring back

Joliet Arsenal Museum Exhibit Opening

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

The exhibit opening will be accompanied by a screening of a documentary film commissioned to commemorate the Arsenal's history that has aired on WTTW.  

Thrifted Ghost Painting

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Join us for a fun and spooky art class where we'll transform ordinary thrifted paintings into haunting masterpieces! In this class, you'll learn how to creatively add ghostly figures, eerie details, and atmospheric effects to old or unwanted artwork, breathing new (after)life into them. No previous painting

Historic Trolley Ride

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Relax and enjoy one of our various trolley tours! Trolley transportation is included with every tour. It’s the perfect way to learn about the rich history of the Starved Rock area. Reservations are required. Book online or call our Activities Office at (815) 220-7386. *Online bookings subject

Halloween Welcome Mat Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Get ready for a frightfully fun evening of creativity and cocktails! Join us for our Halloween Coir Run Painting Party, where the spirit of the season meets artistic flair. This event is perfect for adults who enjoy a good sip while unleashing their inner artist. We'll provide

Fall Colors Hike

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, United States

Fall in the forest is an experience of the senses. The air feels cool and crisp with hints of earthy smells. The trees are a collage of oranges, yellows and reds until their leaves turn brown, fall and become crunchy under your feet. Embrace these natural wonders

Lemont Fire District Open House

Lemont Fire Station 1 15900 New Ave., Lemont, United States

Ladder Trucks, Fire Engines & Ambulances! Firefighter Paramedic Demonstrations and Displays! Together with community partners we invite you to a day of safety kicking off Fire Prevention Week. This year's Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPWTM) campaign, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!, strives to educate everyone about

An Afternoon with Friends of Thorn Creek Woods

Park Forest Village Hall 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL, United States

Join us for our annual meeting as we look back at the storied 55-year history of Friends of Thorn Creek Woods. Naturalist April Richards will narrate a slide show identifying the movers and the shakers, the Herculean efforts and the milestones of this preservation work. President Penny

Harvest Fest

Centenniel Park - Lemont 16028 W, 127th St., Lemont, IL, United States

Join the Lemont Park District for this fun, fall event! Food vendors, beer tent, hayrides, pony rides and petting zoo, kid's zone and activities, pie eating contest, band and more!  

BYOB Nature Stories Around the Campfire

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

Do you have memorable, magical moments in nature that have inspired, amazed or surprised you? Come celebrate National Storytelling Day with an evening campfire and the camaraderie of fellow nature lovers. Bring a camping chair, beverages (beer and wine only for alcoholic drinks) and a story to

Stone & Steel Spooky 5K

Joliet City Center 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, United States

The Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP) is excited to host the 3rd annual Stone & Steel Spooky 5K on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 at 8 a.m. This chip-timed race starts in Downtown Joliet and runs through the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site. Walkers and runners are welcome